Waterman Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waterman Mountain |
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 Waterman Mountain
Location in California
Waterman Mountain
Location in the United States
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,041 ft (2,451 m) NAVD 88 |
| Listing | Hundred Peaks Section |
| Geography | |
| Location | Los Angeles County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | San Gabriel Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Waterman Mountain |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Waterman Loop, Trail hike class 1 |
Waterman Mountain is a tall peak in the San Gabriel Mountains of California. It stands at 8,041 feet high! You can find it in the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
This mountain is super important because its top marks the northern edge of the San Gabriel Wilderness. It's also the highest point in that whole wilderness area!
Contents
Nature's Seasons on Waterman Mountain
Waterman Mountain sees all four seasons clearly! In winter and early spring, the mountain is covered in snow. Sometimes, you can even find snow here in September!
Spring brings lots of rain, making Waterman Mountain burst with colorful wildflowers. Summers are usually hot and dry. The climate here is a mix of mountain and Mediterranean weather.
Plants and Animals
Because of this special climate, you'll find mixed conifer forests on Waterman Mountain. These are forests with different kinds of cone-bearing trees. The plants and animals living here are greatly affected by these weather patterns.
Fun Things to Do
Waterman Mountain is a great place for outdoor activities!
Skiing and Snowboarding
Several small ski areas are located on the north side of the mountain. These include Mount Waterman, Kratka Ridge, and the Buckhorn Ski Club. They are popular spots for winter sports.
Camping Adventures
If you love camping, the Buckhorn and Cooper Campgrounds are located below the peak. They are right on the Angeles Crest Highway, making them easy to reach for a fun outdoor getaway.
A Mountain's Name and History
Waterman Mountain is named after a brave pioneer!
Robert B. Waterman and His Journey
The mountain got its name from Robert B. Waterman. He was a pioneer mountain man and a ranger in the San Gabriel Forest Reserve. In May 1889, Robert, his wife Liz, and their friend Perry Switzer went on an amazing three-week journey. They traveled from La Cañada to the Antelope Valley and back.
Liz Waterman's Achievement
With this trip, Liz Waterman became the first non-indigenous woman known to have crossed the San Gabriel Mountains! It's said that she even placed a pile of stones, called a cairn, on this mountain's top. Because of her achievement, people first called it Lady Waterman's Peak.
However, back then, people's ideas about women were different. So, the name Lady Waterman's Peak was not widely accepted. Instead, it became known simply as Waterman Mountain.
The Station Fire
In 2009, the area around Waterman Mountain was badly affected by a large wildfire. This fire was known as the Station Fire.
